New York, NY – LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B experienced a brief evacuation on Saturday morning in response to a suspicious package. Reports indicated that security personnel were alerted to the presence of the unidentified parcel in a restricted area of the terminal around 6:29 a.m. All travelers who had not yet gone through security screening were evacuated from the terminal and directed to wait outside.
One passenger, Robert Baston, described the scene as TSA agents instructed everyone to halt the screening process and evacuate the terminal. Confusion arose as travelers gathered in the passenger drop-off area, with little information provided by airport staff. Baston, a 47-year-old from Queens, had been preparing to board a Southwest flight to Denver at 8:10 a.m.
The disruption caused concern among passengers, with Baston expressing worry about potential delays due to the situation at the terminal. Despite the expectation of inclement weather in Denver, the unexpected evacuation added another layer of uncertainty to his travel plans.
The official airport page confirmed police activity at Terminal B, warning of probable flight disruptions. Passengers were relocated to the parking lot as a precautionary measure. Subsequently, the NYPD bomb squad conducted an investigation and declared the area safe just before 8 a.m., allowing operations to return to normal.
Overall, the prompt response by airport authorities and law enforcement ensured the safety of all individuals involved. While the incident caused temporary inconvenience, the efficient handling of the situation minimized the impact on travelers’ schedules. The cooperation between security personnel, passengers, and airline staff highlights the importance of preparedness and vigilance in maintaining a secure airport environment.